Mural unveiling at Hillmorton High School Provision

On Thursday, 7 May 2026, Hillmorton High School in Christchurch hosted a landmark mural unveiling, a milestone event marking the first of its kind across any Ko Taku Reo provision in New Zealand.

The occasion brought together a wonderful group of guests, including Amy Geue (Executive Principal), members of the Ko Taku Reo executive team, the Hillmorton principal, students, parents, teachers, and sponsors.

The event was filmed to preserve this historic moment for the Hillmorton provision, a proud record of student voice brought to life.

Hear from the students themselves at this special event

Kia ora tātou katoa, nau mai, hoki mai e te whānau, welcome, welcome to our unveiling.

This is truly one of a kind, and we are proud to be the first provision across the motu to do something like this. It is something we can cherish and value for the rest of our lives, and something our mokopuna can one day see, be part of, and continue carrying on the legacy we have started here within our Ko Taku Reo whānau.

Ko Starr toku ingoa, and I'm proud to be part of Ko Taku Reo, the Deaf provision here at Te Kura Tuarua o Horomaka, Hillmorton High School. Ko Taku Reo is more than just a classroom; it is a place where we grow, excel, express ourselves, and feel a strong sense of belonging. The Ko Taku Reo student mural was a collaborative project we worked on in Term 4, 2025, led by Justine Ottey and Giarne Harrison, with invaluable help and support from Cath Blakemore and the Ko Taku Reo staff.

This mural has four panels on the outside wall of S Block for everyone to see, and it is inclusive of our wider community with different needs. Below is a braille sign for our whānau haua who are visually impaired. Students explored ideas through drawing and designed their own butterflies to show their personalities and cultures.

Students shared the inspiration for their individual butterflies:

• Aquila - My butterfly represents my culture and the place I was born (Philippines), it also shows my belief in God, and some of the things I like - for example, flowers.
• Aliziah - My butterfly talks about my Samoan and kiwi culture and my belief in Christianity.
• Ethan - My butterfly represents the subjects I enjoy at school, like building and construction, automotive and engineering. This is also what I am interested in doing for my future career.
• Linkin - My butterfly shows the journey I am on. I am learning how to drive to get my restricted license. This is important to me and something I want to achieve.
• Amishal - My butterfly shows my Fijian culture and my belief in God.
• Eleana - My butterfly shows my favourite animal, cats! You can see cat eyes in the butterfly's wings!
• Sean - My butterfly tells a story about my interests and hobbies, such as Performing arts, sports and music.
• Starr - Represents my māori and Cook Islands culture and the journey I am on.

The butterflies themselves are bold and colourful, standing out with pride, and are painted as if they have gently landed on the lettering "Ko Taku Reo," bringing the words to life. This shows how we, as students, give meaning and strength to our kura and our community. The butterfly is also a symbol of growth, change, and transformation, and most importantly, Turi Deaf, something we all experience in our journeys.

On each panel, there is also a caterpillar. The caterpillar represents the beginning of growth, the starting point of transformation. This reflects every new student who comes into Ko Taku Reo, beginning their journey here, learning, growing, and finding their place within our whānau.

Our staff have also created their own butterflies, and it is special to have them included in this mural. They are the nurturers of our journeys, the ones who guide, support, and help us grow into who we are becoming. Their presence in this artwork shows that we grow together as students and kaiako, side by side.

The message written within the mural: "Did you know that all butterflies are deaf and hard of hearing?" has also been translated into te reo Māori: "Kei te mōhio he turi ngā Kahuku?" This statement connects to us as a Deaf community. Just like butterflies, being deaf does not stop us from growing, communicating, or being vibrant and strong. Instead, it is part of what makes us unique.

The words "Ko Taku Reo" are proudly displayed behind the butterflies to represent kotahitanga, which means unity. Ko Taku Reo is our Deaf
Education school stands for our community, our identity, and our journey. This artwork represents who we are, how we express ourselves, and the strength we carry together as a Deaf community.

This artwork not only showcases us, the Ko Taku Reo provision, but it also includes Hillmorton High School's name and logo imprinted on the mural. This shows that we are not separate, that we are all one. This reflects kotahitanga within this mural and within our kura.

The Hillmorton school motto is also displayed on the mural: Te whaia i te kahurangi - "Personal best, nothing less." This reminds us that it is important not only for Hillmorton but also for Ko Taku Reo that we continue to strive, grow, and achieve our personal best within our school community and beyond into the wider world.

This mural is not just art on a wall; it is our identity, our stories, and our legacy. We hope that everyone who walks past it will take a moment to appreciate each butterfly, each story, and the meaning behind it.

Thank you

Thank you to Dulux Trade Centre Hornby for donating the paint, and a special mention to Cory for applying the anti-graffiti coating, and to Fraser, Cath's husband, for the undercoating. Thank you also to Mitre 10 Mega Hornby for donating the mural panels, and to Clarkson Signs for creating the braille information panel.

A huge thank you to Giarne Harrison, Hillmorton's Arts Coordinator, for connecting Justine with Cath and for her ongoing support throughout this project. We're also grateful to the Happiness Fund from Ko Taku Reo, whose funding made this event possible, and to Jarrod, our Hospitality teacher, for taking care of the food this evening.

Thank you to Hillmorton for providing the space to display this wonderful artwork, and to Alan and Gary for getting it up on the wall.

And finally, a very special thank you to Justine, the artist who was with us every step of the way. Thank you for your guidance, your encouragement, and for helping us bring our vision to life. We are truly grateful.